Ferdinand plans to play on

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London - Rio Ferdinand insists he has no intention of retiring even if the former England defender is forced to leave Manchester United in the close-season.

Ferdinand's current contract with United expires at the end of the campaign and there has been no suggestion as yet that he will be offered a new deal after spending much of the season out of favour with boss David Moyes, who was sacked last month.

The 35-year-old did not make the match-day squad for United's final home game against Hull under interim manager Ryan Giggs, who is set to be replaced by Holland coach Louis van Gaal after the World Cup.

But Ferdinand, who joined United from Leeds in July 2002 for 30 million ($50 million, 36 million euros), feels he still has plenty to offer, regardless of whether his future lies at Old Trafford.

"I am fit, I am healthy and I want to continue playing," said Ferdinand, who will be part of BBC's World Cup coverage team in Brazil.

"I have spoken to a lot of mates of mine in the game and they all say the same thing -- keep playing for as long as you can.

"The club at the moment is in a position where they can't really make any decisions about anything.

"For me to be saying I want to do this or that is irrelevant, because we have got to see who becomes the new manager and boxes will be ticked from there.

"I just want the best solution for the club. Whatever it is, then I will respect it. After that I am open to offers.

"But I would rather wait and see what happens at United and then there will be a decision to be made."

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